I’ve heard that UC’s only really look at 10th and 11th grade classes and grades, and that what classes you take in 12th grade don’t really matter. The problem for me is that on my current math pathway I will be taking AP Calc BC in 12th grade and I also plan on taking AP Physics C along with it. Since 12th grade classes don’t matter to colleges I will be behind, so I’m thinking of taking Geometry over the summer so I can do AP Calc BC in 11th grade. I already know the fundamentals of Geometry such as (Similarity, Triangle Congruence, Circles, etc.) through out of school math tutoring, so this will be fairly easy for me.
Note: I plan on doing something related to Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Planning.
Is this the right thing to do(taking Geo over summer) or will colleges still see that I am taking rigorous courses in 12th grade??
You will report in-progress courses to colleges that you apply to. So they will see the rigor of your 12th grade schedule. Also, you need to do well enough in those courses as a condition of admission.
Some colleges (not UCs) will also want a midyear grade report for your fall 12th grade grades.
No need to cram geometry during the summer. Taking calculus BC in 12th grade is fine.
12th grade classes DO matter. Quite a bit, in fact. Colleges want to see you are continuing with a rigorous course load. Mid term grades are a factor in RD decisions. Final grades will be sent to your college of choice, and if your grades are really poor, your acceptance can be rescinded.
You take the most rigorous courses you can. You ask your teacher-- who knows you and knows the coursework-- for guidance. And you ask your parents.
Then you go outside and do something physical-- toss a ball around or go for a walk.
Oh, and as math teacher, I’m really, REALLY not a fan of cramming as many math courses as possible in order to get on to the next one. Don’t sell Geometry short-- well taught it can be a very challenging course. (And it’s so much more than similarity, triangle congruence and circles!!!)